When and How to Place Garments in Long-Term Clothing Storage

Naturally, your closet sees different wardrobe looks throughout the year. You cycle your clothes out through the changing seasons. Fashions shift. Body shapes too. As garments shift from prominent usage to long-term storage, it's essential to make sure they remain in safe condition. 

Your clothing items require specific storage strategies to breathe appropriately, stay fresh, and not attract bugs, discoloration, or wrinkles. Many popular storage items from big box stores or cheap knockoff websites aren't designed for wardrobe protection and can cause more damage than they prevent. 

Also, the way you store your clothing items is just as important. User error can damage a garment just as easily as an inferior storage product.

Here are a few tips on how to place your clothing items safely in long-term storage.

Clean Your Clothing Before Storing Them

While you may not wash garments after each use, it is vital to do so before placing them in long-term storage. Perspiration, perfume, and body oils can attract insects and produce discoloration over time. If left untreated, these garment changes will remain permanent! 

In addition to washing your outfits (according to the manufacturer's instructions) before storing, take to perform some additional preventative maintenance beforehand, such as ironing out stubborn wrinkles, replacing missing buttons, or removing lint balls from sweaters. 

Use the rule of thumb that you want your garments to exit storage in the same state you placed them. Taking some preventative steps beforehand can prevent clothing changes while tucked away.

Ditch Cardboard or Plastic Storage Containers

Using the right storage containers for your clothing is vital to their longevity. Your garments need to be able to breathe while packed up, so plastic or cardboard bags, bins, or packaging puts them at risk. The most common changes to worry about include wrinkling, mildew, and yellowing of your garments. 

These are both mainly due to trapped moisture inside an airtight container. In regards to cardboard, insects and vermin can chew through the material easily. Instead, choose storage items made from cotton, canvas, or wood.

There is ONE exception to using plastic containers for clothing storage. Should you need to store items in a damp, humid area, such as a basement, choosing a waterproof, airtight option is the path to least garment damage.

Choose a Temperature-Controlled Environment 

The places in your home that are most suitable for long-term clothing storage are dark, cool, dry, and clean. Basements and attics, the most popular storage spots in homes, can be quite damaging locations to store your clothes.

Instead, look for other areas to store clothes, such as high closet shelves, under beds, or in other temperature-controlled areas of your living space.

Not Everything Should Be Hung

Hanging your sweater or cardigan on a hanger may have been okay when it saw frequent usage during colder months, but it's best to keep them folded when packed away in long-term storage. 

Any items that lose shape over time should be folded. Garments containing materials such as synthetics, silks, and knits will suffer from the strain of hanging and will stretch. 

For the rest of your wardrobe generally residing on hangers, make sure to store them in breathable garment bags hung on wooden, padded hangers. Refrain from using wire or plastic!

Improve Your Long-Term Clothing Storage with Butler Luxury! 

Butler Luxury cares about your quality garments and offers only the best in wardrobe hangers and suit covers for long-term storage.

High-quality, treasured clothes deserve the best quality storage accessories. Purchase your Butler Luxury products today to ensure top-notch, long-term care. 

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